The Birth of a Villainess

In the Capital of the Zheng Empire, everyone was excited for the Moon Lantern festival that was quickly approaching. Buying new dresses and furnishings in one's home was one of the main things that people would do before the festival started. 

Moreover, some hopeful people were going to use this opportunity to make money either from their own established buildings and businesses or just from a stall displayed on the streets.

Inside the dining hall of an inn, three men sat across from each other at a table near the eastern wall of the building. They wore a frown on their faces as though they were unpleased by something.

One of the men gulped down his drink and slapped the bottom of it on the table, making a loud banging sound that was heard throughout the dining hall. The people who sat to dine in the inn all looked at their directions, expecting trouble or a drama to ensue, and when they didn't see any of their expectations, they turned their heads away in dismay.

But none of the three men cared about what other people inside the inn were thinking about. Especially the man who loudly slammed the cup on the table as he started to speak.

"What is his majesty thinking? Sending someone who wishes to retire to a battlefield that no one even knows the end result of it?" The man angrily said. He wore scholarly clothes and an official's hat on top of his head. However, his body was quite the contrast to his clothes as it looked as if the fabric was working hard on holding themselves together for it to not rip.

"Exactly, the Chu Empire, this time, won't let up after finding out that the Imperial family has been coveting the cave that belonged to both kingdoms. And not only that, a prince from the Chu has gone missing while he's in the Zheng Empire's soil." Another man said in agreement. 

"Trying to heat things up by sending Qu Xing Xu is not the right way of doing things. This would only end up making the Chu Empire angry at us for trying to buŧŧ heads with them in a war." The second man who spoke added. "Honestly, I don't even know what Qu Xing Xu is thinking by accepting the decree."

The first man, Ni Zixuan, also frowned. Qu Xing Xu could easily disobey a royal decree without facing any consequences. Just from his military merit, he collected from his countless battles; no one would say a word against him. 

However, not only did Qu Xing Xu accepted the emperor's decree, he actually planned to go there in a matter of few days. 

"There's something else we should also focus on." Suddenly, the third man spoke and made the other two turn their heads to look at him in confusion. He didn't make them wait as he said, "That rascal didn't even send a letter when he got married. He completely forgot about us, his brothers."

As if they were struck with the lightning of realization, the other two had a predatory look in their eyes. 

"That's right. How could I forget, Qu Xing Xu, that man didn't even inform us about his wedding nor invite us!" Qi Yandi snapped open his fan and waved it in an arrogant manner.

Jiang Shen stood up from his chair and looked at Ni Zixuan and Qi Yandi. "Come, brothers. We must greet our sister-in-law and make sure that rascal will have great days to look forward to before his departure."

Like hyenas prowling silently after locking their eyes on their prey, the three men left the inn with heroic airs and arrogantly walked on the streets with one aim – to go to the Qu residence and meet this new sister-in-law of theirs.

Just got out of the bathing chamber, Qu Xing Xu, who was about to get dressed, suddenly felt a shiver running across his skin. 

Just in time that Lin Xiaofei glanced away from the book she was reading to look at him. 

"I felt a shiver just now… Do you think someone's badmouthing me?" His sudden question broke a smile on her lips.

She replied, "You'll get a chronic illness rather than a shiver. If that is the case."

"Rude." Qu Xing Xu felt offended by her retort. "The people who praise me will drown all negative adjectives some could put on my head."

Lin Xiaofei stared at him unblinkingly after he said that. She was once again left speechless of his shamelessness, and she didn't know what to do about it.

After the two of them shared a passionate night together, Lin Xiaofei and Qu Xing Xu decided to talk things over. In the end, Qu Xing Xu will still go to the northern region of the empire. However, Lin Xiaofei put a condition on him.

Lin Xiaofei put down her book and walked to him. The shame that existed between the two of them disintegrated and was no longer a hindrance. Hence, Lin Xiaofei wasn't bothered when she helped him put on his clothes.

Only after Lin Xiaofei finished putting the last garment on his body did Qu Xing Xu speak.

"If you keep doing adorable and sweet things like this, I might change my mind and never go out." He said.

Lin Xiaofei smugly grinned at him as she put her palm to the front of his left ċhėst. "Great. At least my effort is not wasted."

Qu Xing Xu chuckled at her response before he sighed. Despite the two of them agreeing to his departure, Lin Xiaofei was still reluctant to let him go. It was not only her who didn't want to go. If only things weren't as complicated as now, he wouldn't have to go.

Sensing his unease, Lin Xiaofei smiled gently at him and put her arms around his waist, and leaned her cheeks against his beating heart. "Don't forget about my condition. If you don't return after two months… I will divorce you and marry someone else."

Being reminded of what they agreed on, Qu Xing Xu narrowed his eyes into a glare. "If that happens, I will make sure to come before you sign our divorce and marry someone else. I will rip that man apart and feed him to the sharks. Then, I will capture you and make you remember you are mine."