Villain Lady

"Fine…"

"Let's go."

Yang Xian and Wei Liuying headed to Prince Ji Sheng's Residence.

Before the two of them could enter Prince Ji Sheng's Residence, the gate was opened, and they could see Prince Ji Sheng standing before them. He looked at the two of them and signaled for them to head to the garden without giving them the chance to greet him.

"Your Highness?" Yang Xian called out when they reached the garden.

"You're late."

Yang Xian and Wei Liuying looked at each other and smiled bitterly. It was not their plan to be late, but they have no other choice with so many works they have to do. Well, they couldn't really complain because they knew that it was necessary, though.

"Replying to Your Highness, the cleaning up process is not done yet, Your Highness," Wei Liuying responded.

Yang Xian nodded. "Replying to Your Highness, the border is already secured for the time being, but I'm sure that there are still a lot of things to do because of the deserter."

"I see. Anything else to report?"

In the end, Yang Xian reported Xiong Tribe's movement. After losing so many battles with Han Shi Kingdom, they finally moved further to the north. The temperature was getting even harsher the more they went to the north, but the Xiong Tribe didn't seem to care about it in the slightest bit.

Yang Xian chose to stop not far after Village K because it would be too dangerous for him to depart too far. Prince Ji Xiaoli and Shi Mo's graves have been secured and the people living in Village K moved to other places. They chose not to move the grave after some time since the area has become part of Han Shi Kingdom.

"You're going to accompany me tomorrow, Xian."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Liu Ying, Ling'er wished to have a talk with you early in the morning."

Wei Liuying blinked her eyes in confusion. She rarely talked with Gao Ling because some people still thought of her as a male strategist. It would be hard to make up an excuse to meet with Gao Ling with her identity, so they didn't really meet with each other that often. 

She couldn't possibly refuse Prince Ji Sheng's order, though. It has been some time since she met with Gao Ling, so she was wondering how her condition was.

"I understand, Your Highness."

"You may return to rest."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The two of them leave the garden while Prince Ji Sheng headed inside once more. From the way it looked like, he was trying to distract himself before the big day as it was pretty apparent that he couldn't forget the fact that he would get married.

"I'm wondering about something."

"Yes?"

"How did Prince Ji Sheng sent his betrothal gifts during the war to Lady Gao?" Wei Liuying asked.

"He asked Shi Yan's help. And since Lady Gao frequently moved around between the two cities, it's not that hard for Prince Ji Sheng to be the one to make the visit and sent the gifts along the way," Yang Xian explained.

"How did you know so much?"

"His Highness bragged to me."

Wei Liuying: "…" I don't want to know what you're talking in private times now. It sounds a bit too much for me.

"We've arrived. Do you want to take a bath first or should I go first?"

"I'll be first. You should go and buy some food. Don't try to cook when it's already this late, Yang Xian."

"Fine."

Despite having to work in different places during the cleaning since it would be inefficient if they worked in the same place, the two of them still lived together in Prince Ji Sheng's City. It was more like Wei Liuying was too lazy to buy a residence for herself and chose to just stay with Yang Xian.

Most of the soldiers ignored her and those who knew her real gender preferred to turn a blind eye. Since Wei Liuying herself was still categorized as a kid, it should be fine. After all, they believed that their strategist would not make a move against a minor. Though, Yang Xian himself had finally reached 20 years old but didn't have the adulthood ceremony yet. They planned on postponing it until they had finished the matter on hand.

Right?

The day passed quietly.

The next day, Wei Liuying departed earlier to the temporary residence where Gao Ling was staying. She knew that women have to prepare themselves since it was very early in the morning, so she better hurry and visited them before Gao Ling finished his preparation.

"Miss, Strategist Liu is here."

"Bring him here."

"But…"

"It's fine. He can stay outside the room," Gao Ling replied. 

"Yes, Miss."

Internally, Gao Ling felt that asking Wei Liuying to come to visit was extremely hard because of her supposed gender that she let people know. If only Wei Liuying could return back to be a girl right away, it would be much more convenient for her. Well, it was more like a wistful thinking since acting as a man would be easier for Wei Liuying when she was being the strategist.

"Miss, Strategist Liu is here."

"Liu Ying greets Lady Gao."

Gao Ling smiled while she was keeping her body straight. Her maidservants were currently doing her hair, so she couldn't move from her position. "Thank you for coming at such late notice, Strategist Liu."

"It's nothing much, Lady Gao. Is there anything that I can do to help you?"

"I only wish that you can help me to know more about the situation at the border since you're one of the few who are very active in the cleaning process."

"Replying to Lady Gao, if you wish to know the details, wouldn't it be better to ask His Highness?"

"I want the truth."

That one sentence made it clear that Gao Ling didn't wish for the type of information with Prince Ji Sheng covered up some to make sure she was not worried. She wanted to know everything very clearly.

Wei Liuying was silence for a moment then she cupped her hand. "In that case, please pardon my rudeness, Lady Gao."

"Go on."