Chapter 1430 - 1106: Alive, She Belongs to Him; Dead, She Is His Wraith

"Now, do you regret it?"

No matter how heavy Xiao Yuansui’s tone was when he said that, Shang Ruyi still found the words piercing; each word seemed laden with sarcasm.

She lifted her eyes, the only feature now capable of expressing her emotions, clear and distinct, gazing at Xiao Yuansui. The words sounded like a taunt, yet his eyes were filled with gravity and anger. After a moment of silence, Shang Ruyi said, "Regret, no. I’ve never regretted because I act according to principles, not people."

"Then—"

"But a bit angry."

"Oh? Angry about what?"

"Angry at her foolishness."

"..."

"It’s not my fault. Even if she wants revenge, she shouldn’t come to me."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuansui couldn’t help but laugh. He slowly walked over to Shang Ruyi, even though Wo Xue made a great effort to stand between them, his towering form was like Mount Tai rushing down; she couldn’t block anything even truly stood in the way.

Instead, Shang Ruyi lightly tugged at her sleeve, signaling her not to bother, so Wo Xue sullenly stepped aside.

Xiao Yuansui stood right in front of her, looking down: "So, you think she should come to me?"

"Shouldn’t she?"

"..."

"It’s you who forced her into a dead end, as a result, she sought revenge."

Upon hearing the words "dead end," Xiao Yuansui’s gaze flickered for a moment while Shang Ruyi stared at him intently, as that face revealed only her eyes, and those eyes seemed extremely incensed.

She said, "But she came to the wrong person."

"..."

Xiao Yuansui breathed deeply, seeming thoroughly without words, eventually chuckling blandly: "So, it means you don’t blame her, nor do you need to seek justice with her anymore."

Shang Ruyi raised her hand, her fingers trembling slightly, gently touching her cheek through the bandage.

Watching her touch the spot, Xiao Yuansui furrowed his brow—even if he wasn’t sure how severe her injury was—to have it at such a place, if a scar remained, it would equate to disfigurement; an ordinary woman’s distress would be indescribable, not to mention a lovely royal bride, possibly affecting her future roles greatly.

Shang Ruyi looked at him: "It’s not that I don’t blame her, but justice I will claim for myself."

"..."

"The conflict between her and me is just between us. Please don’t interfere. Your involvement will only drive her madness further."

"..."

"How can I claim justice from a madwoman?"

Upon hearing "madwoman," Xiao Yuansui’s brow furrowed again.

Although he no longer cared about Lu Xiao’s life, even if Shang Ruyi suddenly demanded punishment for her injuries because of him, he would feel indifferent; but whether alive or dead, the image of Lu Xiao in his mind seemed forever fixated as it was before she left: that charming and beautiful figure that drove all men mad.

It was hard for him to imagine her as a madwoman.

A complex feeling of unknown origin suddenly surged within his heart.

But before Xiao Yuansui could sort through his thoughts, Shang Ruyi’s voice echoed again: "Therefore, I will not want her dead now."

"..."

Xiao Yuansui glanced at her, nodded.

Originally, he came to visit her and speak, but now troubled by myriad thoughts, he felt uncomfortable staying longer; preparing to turn and leave, he lowered his eyes to see Wo Xue, vigilantly watching him, holding something, a small stool beside had some needlework laid upon it along with a few stitched items.

Upon closer inspection, there were a few palm-sized thick cloth pieces stitched with straps on either side like little ears.

He asked, "What is this?"

Wo Xue glanced at him silently, while Shang Ruyi replied flatly: "There is an injury on my face; naturally, I cannot just go out like this. This is to cover my face."

"A face cover?"

Xiao Yuansui was slightly surprised. Generally, face coverings are hooded veils or scarves tied behind; he had never seen one like this and asked: "How is it used?"

Shang Ruyi signaled Wo Xue, who quietly put down the needlework, picked up one of the pieces, and covered her face with it, the straps hanging behind her ears. Xiao Yuansui had not seen such a design before; indeed more convenient than veils or scarves, unyielding in motion, he exclaimed: "Ingenious, craftsmanship is exceptional."

Shang Ruyi replied coolly: "That’s too kind. It’s a creation of Dasheng Dynasty’s Crown Princess Consort—I merely copied what was already done."

"Oh?"

Xiao Yuansui raised an eyebrow.

In recent years, he had heard some tales of Dasheng Dynasty’s Crown Prince, namely Yu Wenye’s brother, Yu Wenqian, considered outstanding among noble families and quite unique—as from such lineages wandering as a monk—rare in all lands, unexpectedly returning by Yu Wenquan’s side, marrying swiftly.

Apparently, the allure of power dominates far greater than Buddhist Law.

Though not disinterested in this person, he currently couldn’t muster the interest to explore, merely uttering faint courteous words before turning away.

Outside, the storm persisted.

Though the rain softened significantly, perhaps due to the chill, the wind seemed to bear the intensity away as Xiao Yuansui exited the tent, a gust seemingly stole his warmth; he inexplicably felt cold in limbs, as if blood congealed throughout his being.

He plodded silently forward.

Across overhead clouds veiling, with many of the surrounding campfires extinguished, the light was dimly dull, some region dulled as dusk, but constructed under his orders this military camp, he knew every place best, traversing within deftly regardless of absence of light.

Yet, later along, he halted suddenly.

A tent ahead, somewhat unfamiliar.

It was stark, lifeless as stone, yet through the cold air, Xiao Yuansui inexplicably perceived a familiar sensation from within that lifeless tent.

This was where Lu Xiao stayed.

Recalling Shang Ruyi’s words earlier that interference would exacerbate Lu Xiao’s madness, it stirred a heaviness within him—he wasn’t concerned about her life, even wished such, for her dying due to his poetic words, she would eternally remain his, even the soiled body cleansed by death, was pure soul.

Her life belonged to him, her death rendered his wraith.

But why, learning about her madness, felt some sorrow within?