Chapter 40: Help Me get Revenge

Jun Huang looked up at the maid. “Where is Nan Xun?”

“The prince is at the pavilion – ”

Jun Huang left before the maid could finish. She felt weak and her steps wobbled a little as she walked, which was only natural; she did just wake up from a poison-induced coma. She had to pull herself up against the wall and struggled her way out. Her path happened to cross Nan Xun’s.

Nan Xun spotted her from a distance. Under the dim light, he could see Jun Huang with her hair down, her face delicate and fine. The clothes suited her well. She looked at him with a hand on the red pillar and curved her lips.

Nan Xun took quick strides to her and supported her slight frame with an arm, scowling. “Why are you not resting in the room? What are you doing outside?”

“Looking for you,” Jun Huang said quietly, her voice as light as a falling feather. Nan Xun was distracted by that for a moment, but he quickly recovered.

“You don’t need to come find me. Just tell a servant to do it. You just woke up and shouldn’t tire yourself.” He helped Jun Huang back to the room.

They didn’t speak on their way back. Jun Huang kept her eyes down, her thoughts indiscernible. Nan Xun, on the other hand, couldn’t stop staring at Jun Huang – this was the first time he’d ever seen her dressed in women’s clothes.

Once back to the bedroom, Jun Huang took a seat on the bed, her face still a little pale. She looked up at Nan Xun. “I never asked you? To this day, I still want to bleed those murdering bastards and cut out their tendons.”

Nan Xun knew he couldn’t convince her. “Then what do you want to do?”

Jun Huang struggled to sit up, her eyes determined. “I’d like you to help me, Nan Xun. Are you willing to?”

That didn’t surprise him; he had expected Jun Huang to ask for his help. He put an arm around her in support. “How do you want me to help? Do you have a plan?”

“I want to find my brother soon and kill Jun Yu for betraying my country. I am, however, but one person. Originally I wanted to ask Qi Yun for help, but the imperial court of Northern Qi is not as stable as it seems to be. He can barely keep his head over the water. Now, I can only turn to you for help.”

Nan Xun frowned. “What will you have me do?”

“Eastern Wu has set eyes on their neighboring countries. Soon, they will invade Northern Qi. It will be a good opportunity to kill Jun Yu. Now, however, I’m not sure exactly where he is. Qi Yun has been helping me track him down, but so far, he’s found nothing.”

Nan Xun thought for a moment. Jun Huang was right. After invading Western Que, Eastern Wu had not participated in any of the ceremonies held by the three countries. It was clear that Eastern Wu was trying to conserve their strength for something big.

He didn’t expect a woman like Jun Huang to be this knowledgeable and brave. She was stronger than even a majority of men. He found himself more and more drawn to her. There was a resilient soul inside her body.

Jun Huang coughed. It was getting a little cold. Nan Xun grabbed the robe laid on the bed and put it around her shoulders. “Don’t worry. I’ll have people track your brother down.” He clapped her on the back to help her breathe. “Your priority now is to rest and let your body recover. Otherwise you won’t be able to avenge the lost souls of Western Que.”

“I promise I will do all I can to help you get revenge. You must promise me, however, to never be hasty. If there’s any problem, tell me. Don’t shoulder everything on your own. I’m always here for you.”

He was so gentle Jun Huang felt like she was drowning in his eyes. Somewhere deep inside her heart, a chord was struck. She had been shouldering everything on her own up until this day; she would be lying if she said she wasn’t tired. Now, here was a man who told her that she wasn’t alone. She couldn’t help but be moved.

Nan Xun didn’t know what had gotten into him that made him say something so sentimental. His life had always been routine and rigid. He thought women were difficult to deal with. Never had he imagined that there would be a woman who allowed him to relax his guard.

Jun Huang’s determination impressed and fascinated him. And it made him fond of her that she cared so deeply about the people and had a strong moral compass. In this vast land of Northern Qi, no one other than Jun Huang could attract his attention and make him feel so protective.

“You care. The gods will not wrong you. One day, you’ll be able to avenge your loved ones.”

Jun Huang chuckled, her eyes soft. “Didn’t take Your Highness as someone who believed in gods.”

Nan Xun couldn’t help the blood rushing into his face. He cleared his throat and turned away from Jun Huang’s knowing smile.

Before they realized, the night had fallen. Jun Huang sat up in a rush, knocking into Nan Xun’s shoulder, which made him wince. Jun Huang also got dizzy from the sudden movement. She held onto the headboard for support.

“Are you alright?” Nan Xun asked worriedly, putting an arm around her.

After regaining her composure, Jun Huang took a deep breath and shook her head. “I’m fine. But it’s late. I need to go back to Prince Chen Manor at once. This is a critical juncture. Qi Chen must not suspect me.”

Nan Xun nodded and helped her up. “Do you need me to escort you back?”

“There’s no need.” Jun Huang’s face became tinted with red. “Would Your Highness please leave for a moment? I need to change.”