The Birth of a Villainess

A heavy silence fell inside the room. It was almost suffocating that even Shen Mo ad to shift on his feet in order to calm his nerves that bunched over after hearing what her mistress wanted. 

The Chu Empire was a big kingdom that was similar with the Zheng Empire not only in terms of its size, but also by its military might and resources. However, the Chu Empire might have grown bigger and much stronger nowadays thus, the Zheng Empire might not be able to compare to their strength now. 

Not only that… Emperor Yun's rule has been bias towards the nobles and ignored the opinions and situation of his people. He would always throw his duties to his people to his vassals and let them think of some kind of solution to temporarily solve the problem. 

When these solutions were received well by the Zheng Empire's people, he would act as if he was the genius who came up with that plan and let everyone praise him for it, taking the merits of his vassals from them. On the other hand, when things didn't work out, he would punish these vassals and replace them with new ones and far more inexperienced officials who were forced to take up on that position.

And in the end, the veteran vassals who were extremely loyal to the empire and has been there for the crown since the empire was established were all slain and only those who have greed in their hearts and corrupted minds were left.

But why the Chu Empire and not the Zheng Empire? 

It was not only Shen Mo who was wondering. Prince Zilin wanted to know why the woman before him wanted the Chu Empire where taking it was far more difficult than obtaining Zheng Empire?

"You want the Chu Empire?" Prince Zilin asked in pure disbelief. "I'm only a prince from the empire and not the crown prince, milady."

"So, it's not impossible."

"It IS impossible!" Prince Zilin glared at her. "I have no standing in the court. No nobles are willing to support me. Why do you think you found me heavily wounded and kept me in here? It was because I'm being pursued and people are certainly looking for me not because they're worried about me. But because they want to kill me!"

After his outburst, Prince Zilin's breathing was heavy as his ċhėst went up and down. If he could only get out of here, he would go back, but going back was also not an option for a prince like him. If he come out now after the people who wanted him dead ȧssumed he was missing or dead, they will do everything they can to kill him.

The feeling of being chased around like a dog being hunted down by people after stealing food had taken a toll on him. It became a traumatic experience for Prince Zilin. He knew he should be used by it now since he was constantly targeted by other people and faced death countless times when he was younger yet, he still couldn't bring himself to say and feel that he deserved to die or deserved to be treated like this. 

He will never get used to being targeted.

However, did he have a choice?

"So?" Prince Zilin and Shen Mo turned to look at her and they looked as if she was a monster who never sympathize with another. Lin Xiaofei ignored them and continued to speak, "Are you going to just let yourself be chained in here? Grow old in this old shack and never see the daylight because you're afraid? I didn't know you are a coward."

"I'm not a coward!" Prince Zilin retorted.

"Then, what? Saying you're not but you're not willing to risk everything? I thought the gold medallion is important to you? Or are you just going to use the excuse of being chased down and get yourself killed the second you step out of this place?" She said.

Her words cut deeper than the swords that the ȧssassins sent to him had done on his body. It was sharp, straight forward, and ruthless. But even Prince Zilin who was deeply hurt by what she said couldn't help but realize that there was truth in her words.

Was he just going to keep hiding there? Be content with this small old shack he had grown to live in and never step out of it for fear of being targeted and killed once again? 

And to add that beautiful face worthy of being called a calamitous beauty, one couldn't tell whether she was truly human or a goddess of death that had come down to earth to make a mess out of humans who inhabited this cruel and mundane world.

"I'm just a cowardly prince and have nothing. I don't think I can help you." Prince Zilin said.

That was right. He had nothing in his possession. Prince Zilin was not worthy of her attention.

Then, suddenly, two feet covered in embroidered shoes came into his view, making Prince Zilin look up again. Lin Xiaofei approached him too closely.

"I don't need your help." Lin Xiaofei reached out and lifted his chin up so he could meet her eyes. It was an ambiguous move but neither had any thoughts in their minds to support it. "I only need you to stay here and accept the crown once the Chu Empire breaks and burns down to pieces. The people will gladly welcome you as their cowardly prince who will become their hero."

After leaving the old room that resembled a shack, Lin Xiaofei returned to the shared courtyard. Qu Xing Xu was still not there and seemed to be with his brothers. 

She opened the window and let the room take in the fresh wind that passed through it. 

Then, a bird carrying a small bamboo tube flew on top of the window's railing. Lin Xiaofei stroke the bird's smooth head and tapped its beak like it was a naughty child before taking the bamboo tube tied around its leg.

'Tuk!'

After popping the stopper in the tube's mouth, she took the paper inside it. 

Her lips curved and a beautiful smile took residence on her lips as she read the content on the letter.

[The arrangements are done. We will wait for your arrival.]

'Ahh… It seems that I have to go as well.' Lin Xiaofei thought as she faced the north.

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Author has something to say: *Drum rolls* It seems that our Xiaofei will secretly have her journey to the north! I wonder how will the duke react when he finds out that she left? Ehehe...

Ps.. Please do check out 'To Bewitch a Beast' a new novel created by my dear friend Nostxlgia. It's fantasy romance that you will absolutely love!