TFSRITA Chapter 66

“This is my most important possession. If one day I die, deliver it to Song Yu. If I don’t die, it should remain hidden.” Yan Qing took a deep breath after speaking and handed over the object.

Zhu Yin was a bit surprised, but she was always one to act more than speak, so she silently accepted the item. “Rest assured, Your Highness, I will complete the task.”

The item was no larger than the size of a hand and not very thick, probably just a dozen or so pages. Zhu Yin placed it carefully near her chest without showing any sign of unease.

Just as she put it away, they heard noises from outside.

Zhu Yin immediately stood up to help Yan Qing change her clothes.

“Creak!”

The door of the palace swung open, and Ji Yecheng appeared, slightly out of breath. His strikingly handsome face, normally sharp and imposing, now had a trace of panic. The moment his tall figure entered, an oppressive atmosphere followed him.

Yan Qing’s breath hitched; she instinctively felt guilty after what she had done.

Ji Yecheng sensed something was off. His cold, piercing gaze lingered on her face for two seconds before he noticed her glaring at him, her slightly chubby cheeks puffed up, adding an unexpected touch of cuteness to her delicate features. “What are you staring at? I’m going to sleep now. Get out!” she snapped.

In truth, Yan Qing wanted to shout “Get lost!” but, being a refined person, she rarely used such harsh language, even if she wanted to throw Ji Yecheng’s previous words back at him.

However, Ji Yecheng didn’t react much. His thin lips pressed together as he studied her face and body. In a low voice, he asked, “You just said you weren’t feeling well, so I brought the imperial physician.”

Yan Qing’s eyes widened, this time out of surprise rather than anger. “Did you take the wrong medicine? Since when are you so concerned about me?”

Her words immediately made Ji Yecheng’s face darken. In a cold voice, he said, “I’ve already told you, that as long as I’m alive, you won’t die! Naturally, I must show some concern.” Then, turning to the person behind him, he added, “Imperial physician, go check her condition.”

He stepped forward, making room at the door.

An elderly imperial physician, whom Yan Qing recognized, approached and bowed respectfully. “Your Highness, may I take a look at your condition?”

Yan Qing was furious. What kind of nonsense was this? She had only made up an excuse, and he brought a physician! But facing the kind old man, she couldn’t bring herself to lash out. Instead, she silently extended her wrist with a stiff expression.

The imperial physician, known for his exceptional skills, took her pulse with ease.

After a moment, the elderly doctor said, “Her Highness is in good health. Your Majesty need not worry.”

“Mm,” Ji Yecheng replied flatly.

The imperial physician then left.

Yan Qing immediately scoffed. “Hurry up and leave. Stop disturbing my rest!”

Ji Yecheng’s face turned even darker, almost ashen, but he held back his temper. Through clenched teeth, he growled, “You’re pushing your luck, relying on my indulgence!”

Yan Qing, on the other hand, grinned smugly and tilted her chin. “If you’re so unhappy, why don’t you just send me out of the palace already?”

Out of the palace—again.

Ji Yecheng felt like her careless words had stabbed him in the heart. Her earlier disdain hadn’t hurt him as much as this.

Suppressing the bitterness welling up inside, he sneered. “Do you think Song Yu will wait for you forever? He’s already left Chang’an, heading for Mobei. It’s chaotic there now—who knows, he might die on the battlefield tomorrow.”

Yan Qing felt a surge of joy. Good! Song Yu wouldn’t die; he’d only return stronger.

Of course, she didn’t say any of this. Instead, she gave Ji Yecheng a scornful glance and mocked, “No worries. If it’s not Song Yu, there are others. I’m so beautiful—who wouldn’t want me?”

Her confidence was genuine. Yan Qing’s current body was identical to her original one, only more delicate and pampered, thanks to years of care from Prime Minister Yan. The features were her own, so she had every reason to be sure of her appeal.

Ji Yecheng’s eyes grew sharp, murderous intent flashing through them. He took a few steps closer, his voice dangerously low. “Anyone who dares touch you will be torn to pieces by me!”

Yan Qing hadn’t yet sensed the danger and, feeling slightly uncomfortable with his closeness, lifted her foot to push him away from his chest. “Don’t come any closer! Get out!”

“Aren’t you going to rest? I’ll rest with you.” Ji Yecheng had initially intended to leave, but after hearing her words, he changed his mind. This woman was too bold and reckless—he couldn’t allow her to act so freely.

Yan Qing’s expression hardened as she began to feel wary. Just as she was about to raise her guard, Ji Yecheng grabbed her ankle, pulling her closer. In an instant, both of her hands were restrained, and before she could react, her belt… loosened.

“Ji Yecheng!” Yan Qing exploded with anger, using all her strength to fight back.

But this time, Ji Yecheng was prepared. With a swift touch to her pressure points, Yan Qing’s face went pale as the strength in her legs vanished. She collapsed, but he caught her in his arms.

“Get lost!” This time, the curse slipped out effortlessly.

Yan Qing gritted her teeth, furious.

Ji Yecheng’s cold eyes softened slightly, and as he moved, a lock of hair fell over his forehead, brushing her cheek. His voice also lost some of its chill. “I told you, you belong to me.”

Unable to resist, Yan Qing’s hatred surged. Suddenly, she spotted his arm near her face. Without thinking, she leaned forward and bit down hard, using all her strength.

“Mm—” Ji Yecheng let out a muffled groan, the pain making his eyelids twitch. His muscles tensed, and with a forceful flex, he shook her teeth loose.

She was thrown off.

Yan Qing’s teeth ached, and soon after, her nose began to sting, followed by her eyes welling up with tears. She started crying.

Suddenly, Zhu Yin, who had been standing still all this time, made a move.

Seeing this, Yan Qing shouted in alarm, “Stay back! Leave!”