Chapter Six: Three Days Become One
As Li Ling’er was observing the masked man, he too was sizing her up: the female thief before him wore servant’s clothes stained with dust, her face smeared and bound by Tie Wula, yet her large, clear eyes showed not a hint of fear. How intriguing! How amusing! The confidence in her gaze was not feigned—such composure was rare indeed. Clearly, she had nothing to fear; it seemed she must have some deep ties to the General’s Manor.
Not three seconds had passed in their silent exchange when Tie Wula called from outside the carriage, “Master, we’ve arrived.”
The masked man responded with a brief sound and stepped out. As soon as his feet touched the ground, a crowd surged out from the General’s Manor. At their head was Liu Rufeng: “I did not know that Your Highness was visiting. Forgive me for failing to greet you from afar—I hope you do not take offense.”
Your Highness! Li Ling’er was stunned. Heaven above! That masked man was the Wise Prince—her intended husband in three days’ time. How absurd! What was she to do now?
The Wise Prince waved his hand, signaling that it was nothing. When Liu Rufeng invited him inside for a conversation, the prince shook his head and smiled, saying, “General Liu, it appears the security of your manor leaves something to be desired.”
Liu Rufeng replied, puzzled, “Not at all! The manor’s security has always been excellent—we’ve never lost so much as a single item.”
The prince arched a brow. “Oh? How interesting. I came today to discuss the matter of welcoming your daughter in three days, and happened to catch a young thief climbing over your wall.”
He gestured to Tie Wula, who turned back to the carriage and hauled out Li Ling’er, still stunned, pushing her before Liu Rufeng.
Liu Rufeng was confused at first, then exclaimed in shock, “Ling’er, why are you dressed like this? And caught by the prince, no less!”
For the first time, Li Ling’er faced her nominal father directly: starry brows, resolute eyes, a square face full of integrity, refined in demeanor, yet with a fierce aura between his brows—something she knew could only be gained on the battlefield.
Seeing Li Ling’er with her mouth gagged and hands bound like a criminal, Liu Rufeng hurried forward to remove the cloth from her mouth and untie her bindings.
The moment her mouth was free, Li Ling’er turned to the prince and blurted, “Are you that ‘ruined-face, crippled-bird’ Wise Prince, Bai Li Xian?”
Ruined-face, crippled-bird! Liu Rufeng stumbled, nearly shoving the cloth back into her mouth in embarrassment.
Bai Li Xian’s lips twitched violently, his expression behind the mask a spectacle. His black eyes, visible through the mask, fixed on Li Ling’er—if his subordinates saw, they would know someone was in for trouble.
The soldiers behind Liu Rufeng shook with suppressed laughter, eyes glued to the ground as if watching ants battle. Were it not for the prince’s status, they would have erupted with laughter long ago.
Tie Wula raised his head to the sky, thinking, Ah! I heard nothing. And today, the sky is truly blue, the clouds pristinely white!
Li Ling’er, still unaware of the situation, glanced down at Bai Li Xian’s lower half, “Oh my, is it true? If you won’t answer, I’ll take your silence as confirmation. I happen to know a folk remedy—guaranteed to restore your manhood!”
Restore your manhood! The eyes of the onlookers nearly popped out of their heads. For such words to come from a woman, and in ancient times no less—the scene was nothing short of horrifying!
Liu Rufeng dared not let her say another word and clapped a hand over Li Ling’er’s mouth, “My daughter is mischievous, Your Highness, please do not mind her!”
Bai Li Xian was nearly ablaze with rage; if looks could kill, Li Ling’er would have died a thousand deaths by now, never to utter another word.
He waved dismissively at Liu Rufeng, “Your eldest daughter is certainly bold! Very well, I think it best to marry you sooner, lest you wreak havoc on others.”
Three days became one. Li Ling’er wanted to die. She had hoped to frighten him off, but the Wise Prince had chosen to clash with her instead. What a miscalculation!