Chapter 37-Part 2

Several soldiers broke away from their unit and approached, spotting the bloodstains on the ground. They looked at them warily and asked what had happened.

Jiang Xiurun recounted the events. The leading young officer, easing his suspicions, instructed the other soldiers, “Check their identities. If everything is in order, let them leave quickly so they don’t run into the prince.”

The soldiers began a cursory inspection. Suddenly, one of them exclaimed as he found several blank travel permits. These permits had been carefully hidden but were exposed during the bandits’ rummaging and caught the soldier’s eye.

His expression tightened, and he immediately had the remaining guards surround their carriage, holding the permits as he reported upwards.

Before long, someone arrived, and Jiang Xiurun immediately recognized him as an attendant to Prince Liu Pei of Liang. Qian’er’s hat had been knocked off during the fight, revealing the blue and purple birthmark on her face.

Seeing this, the attendant quickly returned to report to Liu Pei.

Shortly after, the attendant returned with a much more respectful demeanor, saying, “I presume the occupants of the carriage are the two hostages from the State of Bo? Our prince invites you both to a meeting.”

Being on someone else’s territory, they had no choice but to comply.

Inside the carriage, Jiang Xiurun removed her fake mustache, took a deep breath, and, accompanied by her brother, followed the attendant to the encampment where Liu Pei was stationed between the Liang and Han states.

Liu Pei was sitting in the camp, eating freshly roasted lamb. When he saw that the visitors were indeed the two hostages from Bo, he laughed heartily. “I’ve always felt a connection with you, Young Master Jiang. It’s a pleasure to meet you here after our parting in Luo’an City.”

Liu Pei, who had many spies in Qi, hadn’t heard anything about the hostages fleeing.

Now, seeing the disguised brothers and their fake travel permits, he understood everything—this Young Master Jiang had managed to escape with his brother! Did Feng Liwu not pursue them vigorously?

Jiang Xiuyun bowed to Liu Pei, saying, “Prince Liu, it’s been a long time.”

In his own territory, Liu Pei’s regal demeanor was evident, quite different from the modest and elegant persona he had in Luo’an City.

He expertly cut the meat with a dagger, sizing up the brothers. Suddenly, he ordered Jiang Zhi to be taken away, leaving only Jiang Xiurun. He then grinned and asked, “Would you like to join me for a meal?”

Jiang Xiurun, always adaptable, accepted the invitation and handed a brass plate to Liu Pei, indicating that he should cut some meat for her.

Liu Pei, amused by the young man’s calm demeanor, smiled and cut a large piece of meat, dipping it in salt. Instead of placing it on the plate, he offered it directly to her mouth.

Finding this too intimate, Jiang Xiurun tilted her head away, refusing to eat.

Liu Pei laughed. “I’ve heard that in Luo’an City, you’re very close to Prince Feng Liwu, eating and sleeping together daily. Why refuse my offer? Are you looking down on Liang?”

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Xiuyun decided to go all out. She raised an eyebrow arrogantly and said, “I escaped from Luo’an City, not to return to my homeland but to come to Liang. I always thought you were an admirable person. I came here to seek refuge, but your attitude isn’t very welcoming!”

Liu Pei was stunned. “You escaped Luo’an to seek refuge with me?”

Jiang Xiurun, well-versed in her ‘future adoptive grandfather’s’ history, improvised convincingly.

“You persuaded the emperor of Liang to build canals, demonstrating foresight. Despite Qi’s dominance, Liang stands as its equal. My father, shortsighted and sycophantic toward Qi, doesn’t see that our closest ally should be our neighbor… But I wonder if you, Prince, are wise enough to accept me and my brother, these refugees?”

Liu Pei remained silent for a while.

He thought, No wonder Feng Liwu favored this youth.

Flattery at its highest level isn’t mere groveling.

It’s having the aloofness of a winter plum blossom and yet showing subtle admiration, making one feel fortunate to be appreciated.

Amused, Liu Pei placed the meat on the plate, sneering, “Do you think I’ll fall for your act like Feng Liwu? I heard it was you who advised Feng Liwu at the docks, causing our iron shipments to be exposed… You’ve caused Liang great loss. How should I ‘welcome’ you properly?”

Expecting the young man to show fear, Liu Pei was surprised to see Jiang Xiurun’s disdainful expression, looking disappointed at him.

“Can’t you see I was helping you back then? You should be thanking me!”