Chapter 996: Chapter 836, Hostage

After learning about the crisis at the Duke Residence, Xiao Yechi instantly realized he was already being targeted. He felt fortunate that he had been cautious during the meeting and hadn’t gone directly to see the old Duke. Otherwise, he feared he might have been surrounded by the Jinling Guard by now.

However, his situation wasn’t looking optimistic either. He needed to hurry and leave the city; getting trapped within its walls was not an option. Once the Jinling Guard discovered his whereabouts and ordered the city gates shut, escaping would become difficult.

Xiao Yechi looked at the disheveled and haggard Luo Qiong, hesitated for a moment at the sight of her bulging belly, but ultimately decided to take her with him.

“Hurry and pack, I’ll take you away from here.”

Hearing these words, Luo Qiong’s eyes suddenly brightened. She had always known that men like Xiao Yechi, tasked with great responsibilities, rarely dwelled on romantic affairs. At the first sign of trouble, she had prepared herself to be abandoned.

Yet now, hearing that Xiao Yechi intended to take her with him, she truly felt surprised and moved, believing her past decisions had been worth it.

Luo Qiong held back her tears and quickly turned to gather her things.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yechi glanced at Xiao Yechen, who had fainted on the ground. He thought for a moment, then took a chest from inside the house and shoved the unconscious man into it.

When Luo Qiong saw this, she thought of what Xiao Yechen had said about dealing with the child in her womb and said fiercely, “Big Brother Chi, just kill Xiao Yechen.”

Previously, keeping him alive was to vie for the title within the Prince Residence. But now, since he was aware of her and Big Brother Chi’s affair, there was no point in keeping him any longer.

Xiao Yechi didn’t pay attention to Luo Qiong but simply said, “Let’s spare his life for now. He might prove useful later, and after all, he is the son of a Prince.”

At this, Luo Qiong pondered, then, without further discussion, went behind the screen to change into a clean set of clothes. When she came out, dressed, the sight of ‘Xiao Yechen’ standing at the vanity gave her a shock.

‘Xiao Yechen’ gave Luo Qiong a smile, “I had this human skin mask prepared for our private meetings. Unfortunately, I’ve never found the opportunity to use it. Today, it finally comes into play.”

“The Prince Residence is heavily guarded, and it took considerable effort just to get in. It won’t be easy to secretly take you away, so I will just have to escort you out openly.”

Luo Qiong stepped forward and scrutinized ‘Xiao Yechen’ for a while, “The mask is quite convincing, but… Xiao Yechen’s eyes lack the sharpness of yours, Big Brother Chi, and he doesn’t carry the same commanding presence.”

‘Xiao Yechen’ replied with a smile, “I’ll try to moderate it.”

Luo Qiong glanced at ‘Xiao Yechen,’ then hurriedly opened the wardrobe and took out one of Xiao Yechen’s outfits, “If we’re to put on a show, it might as well be convincing. I’m sorry, Big Brother Chi, you’ll have to wear Xiao Yechen’s clothes for now.”

‘Xiao Yechen’ wasn’t picky, took the clothes, and quickly changed into them.

As he changed, Luo Qiong helped him and explained Xiao Yechen’s habits.

Shortly after, the door opened again and ‘Xiao Yechen’ walked out, calling over Gao Yuan, “Prepare the carriage, I need to make a trip.”

Gao Yuan did not doubt and immediately went to prepare.

Ping Ji’s wife had been keeping a watchful eye on the Chen Courtyard. Seeing Xiao Yechen leave didn’t arouse her suspicion, but when she learned ‘Xiao Yechen’ was taking Luo Qiong with him, she sensed something was amiss and hurried to the Pingxi Hall to inform Daohua.

“Xiao Yechen is taking Luo Qiong out of the Prince Residence?” Daohua frowned in confusion.

What was Xiao Yechen planning?

Could it be that he intended to take Luo Qiong to confront her lover outside?

After a moment of thought, Daohua stood up and headed outside, “Let’s go and see.”

…

‘Xiao Yechen’ and Luo Qiong’s luck wasn’t great–they had barely left the Chen Courtyard when they encountered Prince Ping.

Upon seeing Prince Ping, ‘Xiao Yechen’s’ eyes lit up. If they truly encountered trouble later, having him as a hostage would certainly be more useful than the half-dead Xiao Yechen.

Prince Ping, due to the Princess Consort’s death, felt pity for Xiao Yechen. Seeing ‘Xiao Yechen’ with Luo Qiong, he couldn’t help but ask, “Are you two leaving the Prince Residence?”

Worried Xiao Yechi wouldn’t know how to respond, Luo Qiong took the initiative, “Father, last night my husband dreamt of Mother again. We thought we should go to the temple today and light a few more Everlasting Lanterns for her.”

Prince Ping nodded in acknowledgment, “That’s thoughtful of you.” He then looked at ‘Xiao Yechen,’ “Take good care of your wife, she is carrying a child, after all.”