Ping Zhao Lu

Chapter 152: Your Majesty, are you expressing your love to me?

Meanwhile, Muzhou.

"Sir, we've been searching back and forth all day, and it's getting darker. What do you think, should we go back first?"

County Magistrate Hu followed closely behind Zhuang Yan with a worried look on his face, muttering non-stop, "If we delay any longer, the wild animals will be out looking for food! And there's also that gang of fierce bandits. Even if you want to find someone, there's no need to risk your life, right?"

Zhuang Yan seemed to have not heard Hu County Magistrate's earnest advice and remained silent.

He suddenly turned around and glared at Hu Xianwei fiercely, his eyes looking murderous. Then, he pulled hard, tightly grasped Hu Xianwei's wrist, and walked towards the cliff without stopping.

County Magistrate Hu was dragged forward involuntarily.

After a while, the two of them came to the cliff again.

Zhuang Yan pushed County Captain Hu forward mercilessly and dragged him directly to the front of the cliff.

Because the incident happened too suddenly, County Captain Hu had no time to react. He stumbled and slid backwards involuntarily.

In an instant, he felt dizzy and his whole body was shaky, as if he would fall into the bottomless cliff at any time.

The terrified Hu County Magistrate turned pale and couldn't help screaming: "Ahhh... Sir, you... what on earth are you doing?!"

The shrill scream of County Magistrate Hu broke the silence of the night sky and echoed in the valley.

This sudden scream, like a signal, quickly attracted the attention of the bandits who had been lying in ambush nearby.

Almost at the same moment, dozens of black shadows rushed out from the dark corners in all directions like ghosts, holding sharp blades and ferociously surrounding Zhuang Yan, Hu Xianwei and others.

Faced with this sudden appearance of bandits, Zhuang Yan showed no sign of panic. On the contrary, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, a subtle smile forming, as if everything was under his control. "You've arrived at the perfect time!"

Zhuang Yan stared at County Captain Hu with a cold gaze, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a mocking smile, then he slowly turned his head and directed his gaze to County Captain Hu's face which had turned pale, and said coldly: "Isn't this how you forced the general off the cliff that day?" His voice was as piercing as ice, making people shiver.

"Wha...what?" County Lieutenant Hu was startled by this sudden question, his face filled with confusion, as if he had no idea what Zhuang Yan was talking about. He stared at Zhuang Yan with wide eyes, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, and his body trembled uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Zhuang Yan became even more angry.

He snorted coldly, and suddenly exerted force with his hands, fiercely grabbing County Captain Hu's arm and twisting it hard, causing County Captain Hu to groan in pain.

At the same time, Zhuang Yan gritted his teeth and said, "Are you still planning to use the same method to deal with me? Hmm?"

At this time, County Captain Hu was completely panicked. He struggled desperately to break free from Zhuang Yan's restraints, but Zhuang Yan was too strong and he could not escape at all.

So, he had no choice but to beg: "Sir, you...you are kidding! I am loyal to you! The most urgent thing right now is to get rid of these hateful bandits..."

Zhuang Yan was not at all moved by County Magistrate Hu's defense.

He snorted again, interrupted County Captain Hu, and said sternly: "I think we should deal with you first!" Before he finished speaking, Zhuang Yan pulled hard and dragged County Captain Hu to the front of the cliff.

Standing on the edge of the cliff, Zhuang Yan fearlessly turned his head and shouted to the group of bandits watching him closely, "If you surrender now, you might be able to keep your bodies intact. But if you continue to stubbornly resist, only death awaits you!"

His words echoed in the valley like thunder, making everyone's ears buzz.

After hearing Zhuang Yan's call, the bandits were stunned at first, and then their eyes fell on County Lieutenant Hu, who was on the verge of life and death and was shaky.

For a moment, the bandits looked at each other and began to communicate with each other with their eyes.

After a brief hesitation and discussion, these bandits drew their swords without hesitation, shouted "kill", and rushed towards Zhuang Yan like a tide.

Seeing this scene, a scornful smile appeared on Zhuang Yan's lips.

A cold light flashed in his eyes, and then he exerted force with both hands, pulled County Captain Hu and jumped off the bottomless cliff together.

County Lieutenant Hu never dreamed that Zhuang Yan would be so resolute. He only felt a black screen in front of his eyes, his brain went blank, and then he was hit by a strong sense of weightlessness.

In an instant, fear took over his entire body and mind, making it impossible for him to suppress his inner panic. He opened his throat and let out a shrill scream.

Seeing this, the bandits who were rushing forward like hungry wolves suddenly stopped in their tracks halfway as if they were under a spell.

They all stared down with eyes wide open, looking in astonishment.

After hesitating for a moment, they still didn't have the courage to jump down.

So they turned around quickly and rushed towards the narrow path on the side.

The path was winding and hidden in the dense woods. It was obviously a shortcut leading to the bottom of the cliff.

The bandits urged each other as they ran, fearing that the people under them would escape if they were a step late.

*

Prince Huai's Mansion

Chu Yunzheng was wearing a crimson-purple robe with wide sleeves, leaning leisurely on the armchair.

He supported his head with one hand and stared expressionlessly at the person kneeling below.

"Tell me, what exactly do you want to do with all this effort?"

When Rong Yu'an, who was kneeling on the ground, heard Chu Yunzheng's question, his fingers unconsciously bent slightly.

He raised his head and cautiously glanced at the two mighty guards standing behind Chu Yunzheng. His body trembled involuntarily and he said in a trembling voice: "Prince... I... I did this because I wanted to stay in the palace..."

Chu Yunzheng was obviously very dissatisfied with this answer. He took a deep breath with some impatience and said in a stiff tone: "This is my territory, and they are my people. There is no need to beat around the bush. Just say what you want to say."

Rong Yu'an seemed to be intimidated by Chu Yunzheng's aura. He was stunned for a moment before he spoke hesitantly, "Your Highness, do you understand the current situation in Zhaojing City..."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yunzheng's relaxed expression immediately tensed up. His sitting posture was no longer as casual as before. Instead, he slowly straightened his body, leaning forward slightly. His face was as cold as ice, and his eyes were fixed on Rong Yu'an. "Who are you? What do you want?"

Rong Yu'an raised his head, met Chu Yunzheng's oppressive gaze with a half-smile, and said sincerely, "I...have no name or surname, and have been lonely and helpless since childhood. By some strange coincidence, I was sold to the Misty Rain Tower. Everyone in the tower calls me Ah Yu, but I am unwilling to spend my life buried in the world of pleasure. Therefore...I would like to recommend myself and be employed by the prince, serving him at my utmost."

*

Chu Yunxiao carefully picked up the heavy cloak, gently unfolded it, and then gently draped it over Xu Zhouye, carefully smoothing out every wrinkle to ensure that no trace of cold wind could penetrate.

"It's cold at night, don't wear too little." Chu Yunxiao said softly, his tone full of concern.

Xu Zhouye smiled slightly, stretched out his right hand and gently placed it on Chu Yunxiao's hand on his shoulder, and said softly: "It's not outside. Your Majesty's bedroom is very warm."

Chu Yunxiao raised the corner of his mouth and said with a hint of sarcasm: "My bed is warmer."

Xu Zhouye was speechless. He pulled Chu Yunxiao's hand away and said with a hint of resentment, "Your Majesty is a patient now. It's best to lie down quickly. If someone sees us, this show will be in vain."

"Then the Queen, lie down with me." Chu Yunxiao asked in a naughty manner.

Xu Zhouye sighed helplessly, frowning and complaining, "Your Majesty, why are you asking me to take off the clothes I just put on?"

Chu Yunxiao chuckled when he heard that, and said gently: "It's okay, I'll help the Queen undress." Before he finished speaking, he reached out and untied the other's belt without caring whether Xu Zhouye agreed or not.

When Xu Zhouye came to his senses, he found himself being held by Chu Yunxiao around the waist. "The Queen is still too light. She needs to eat more."

Xu Zhouye: "..."

Chu Yunxiao carefully placed the person on the couch, then he lay down on it as well. He reached out and pulled the quilt over, and the soft and smooth quilt covered the two of them like a flowing cloud.

He turned slightly to the side, and as usual, he naturally extended his arms and hugged the person beside him tightly, feeling the other person's warm body temperature and familiar breath. "Tomorrow, the Queen will go to see Duke Dingguo."

Xu Zhouye, who was lying in his arms, responded in a muffled voice: "Of course I want to. I have to put on a good show, right?"

Chu Yunxiao raised his hand and gently stroked Xu Zhouye's jade-white face. His fingertips brushed across the delicate skin. His eyes were as gentle as water as he slowly spoke, "When you come back, you must stay by my side day and night and serve me... during my illness."

Hearing this, Xu Zhouye couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Your Majesty said it was so serious, those who didn't know would think it was..." Having said this, he deliberately paused, as if trying to pique Chu Yunxiao's curiosity.

Chu Yunxiao indeed asked, "What is it?" Although he had already guessed the answer in his heart, he still wanted to hear Xu Zhouye say it in person.

Xu Zhouye smiled slightly, then leaned close to Chu Yunxiao's ear and whispered softly, "I thought Your Majesty was... showing your love to me."

As soon as the words fell, Chu Yunxiao felt his heart beating faster and faster. He took a deep breath and replied calmly, "Just take it as it is."