Eunuch Fu's heart trembled. He glanced anxiously at the emperor, silently pleading for a decision.
Long Mingze stared at Xia Yuqing for a long moment. The gentleness in his expression slowly drained away. Her indifference cut deeper than any dagger ever could. Something inside him hardened.
Without another word, he lifted his hand and waved it sharply.
The guards hurried to obey. Within moments, a strong, well-trained horse was brought to the edge of the pavilion, reins trembling in the handler's grip.
Xia Yuqing tightened her grip on Concubine Lian and, with swift precision, mounted the horse, dragging the trembling woman up with her. The dagger never left Concubine Lian's throat. A thin line of blood still marked the blade.
Long Mingze narrowed his eyes. "I did what you asked," he said darkly. "Let her go now."
Xia Yuqing let out a soft laugh. "Do you take me for a fool?" she replied. "The moment I release her, you will capture me."
