Assassination

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Chen Xianzhi had lately thrown himself entirely into preparing a surprise, but what troubled him most were the frequent visits from Princess Changning and the Third Prince. One Princess Changning was already enough to vex him; the Third Prince drove him even more frantic. Not only did he have to keep the Third Prince from coming into contact with Shixu, but he also had to do his best to avoid interactions with Changning. It was truly a matter of carving out time amid his busyness to arrange the surprise.

Chen Xianzhi sensed something was amiss: Princess Changning and Shixu were becoming close confidantes, often chatting and playing together. At that moment, Chen Xianzhi would have preferred if Changning had been clingy with him instead. Princess Changning found her cousin Chen Xianzhi remarkably interesting—unlike the spoiled and picky ladies of noble families, she was gentle, courteous, and thoughtful. Sometimes, Changning envied her freedom and easygoing nature.

The Moon Lantern Festival was approaching, a celebration born from the legend that the Moon Goddess fell in love with a mortal man and, after great trials, they finally united. The festival was held so earthly lovers could seek the goddess’s blessings.

On the eve of the festival, Chen Xianzhi shyly asked Shixu, “Do you have time tomorrow? Would you like to go to the Moon Lantern Festival with me?”

Shixu noticed Chen Xianzhi’s unusual demeanor but did not ask further and simply nodded in agreement.

Chen Xianzhi’s heart soared with joy at her assent, his smile impossible to suppress. Those who attended the festival together were said to receive the Moon Goddess’s blessings.

Wan Sheng, seeing his young master’s carefree grin, shook his head, wanting to tell him that Miss Shi was unaware of this tradition altogether.

On the day of the Moon Lantern Festival, Chen Xianzhi had long chosen his attire—a sky-blue brocade robe embroidered with exquisite golden cloud patterns along the collar, a warm jade pendant tied at his waist, his black hair swept high and cascading down to his waist.

He waited early at the mansion’s gate. Shixu arrived dressed in a plain white chest-high ru skirt, the hem flowing like moonlight touching the ground, without any superfluous decoration. Her dark hair was pinned with a single wooden hairpin, exuding a cool yet elegant aura. Chen Xianzhi found himself unable to look away.

Just as Chen Xianzhi lifted his hand to help Shixu into the carriage, the sound of another carriage approached from behind.

Puzzled, he looked up to see a finely decorated carriage from which the round face of young You’an peeked out, followed by the composed Princess Changning and the smiling Ji Yun.

Chen Xianzhi’s smile froze; with a stiff movement, he exchanged a questioning glance with Shixu.

Shixu met his gaze and explained earnestly, “You’an and the others asked to join us, so I agreed. What’s wrong?”

Chen Xianzhi nodded blankly, saying nothing, and then boarded the carriage.

With Ji Yun and the others following behind, Shixu sensed Chen Xianzhi’s inexplicable grievance and couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh.

Hearing Shixu’s laughter, Chen Xianzhi’s mood lifted slightly. He laughed along with her, gazing at her bright smile, wishing this moment could last forever.

The market was especially lively today, perhaps owing to the festival. Stalls displayed all manners of lanterns in various shapes, dazzling young You’an’s eyes.

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At this moment, Chen Xianzhi felt a surge of frustration. Behind him and Shixu trailed You’an, Ji Yun, and Changning—nothing like what he had envisioned. He felt nearly helpless.

Finally shaking them off, Chen Xianzhi took Shixu to the city moat, where countless river lanterns floated, a continuous sprinkling of twinkling lights beautifying the night.

Suddenly, a little girl running too fast stumbled and fell right before them. Shixu stepped forward to help her up.

The child had grazed her forehead, a faint trickle of blood seeping out. She began to pout, on the verge of tears.

Shixu gently brushed the wound on the girl’s forehead, which instantly became smooth as before.

“It’s alright now. Go find your family quickly,” Shixu soothed with a tender voice, her eyes warm, her delicate features especially captivating under the moonlight.

Chen Xianzhi stood watching, captivated.

He then instructed Wan Sheng to help find the girl’s family.

Chen Xianzhi went to a stall selling river lanterns and bought one shaped like a rabbit. He and Shixu stood before the stall; Chen Xianzhi took up a brush, furrowing his brows as he wrote a message, then placed it inside the lantern.

Shixu imitated him and wrote her own message.

At the riverbank, Chen Xianzhi knelt and gently set the lantern afloat, watching it sway and drift away with a satisfied smile.

As he stood, fireworks suddenly burst in the sky, grander and more beautiful than the last time they had watched from the rooftop.

Shixu raised her head, her delicate features vivid under the dazzling display. She was fully immersed in the spectacle, while Chen Xianzhi was lost in the expression on her face.

Suddenly, a sharp sword thrust toward Chen Xianzhi. Reacting swiftly, he dodged to the side and found himself surrounded by seven or eight masked men in black, each wielding deadly blades aimed solely at him, showing no mercy.

Shixu froze at the sudden attack. Chen Xianzhi pushed her aside and faced the assailants alone.

Two fists could not withstand four hands. Pushed back to the river’s edge, Chen Xianzhi was eventually overwhelmed and forced into the water.

With the arrival of the city guards, the masked men had no choice but to retreat. Shixu, seeing Chen Xianzhi struggling in the water, felt a surge of uncontrollable anxiety.

Without hesitation, she plunged into the freezing winter river, biting cold to the bone. She swam desperately toward Chen Xianzhi, dragging his unconscious body toward the shore.

The Marquis Mansion was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere; the young master had fallen into the water and remained unconscious.

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Madam Qi stood by Chen Xianzhi’s bedside, her eyes never leaving the imperial physician who was taking his pulse.

The royal doctor sat solemnly, brows furrowed deeply.

He then rose and shook his head with a grave expression. “Madam Marquis, I’m afraid young master’s chances are slim.”

Hearing this, Madam Qi swayed, almost collapsing. Fortunately, a swift maid behind her caught her.

After awakening, Shixu hurriedly asked the nearby maid about Chen Xianzhi’s condition.

Seeing the maid’s heavy expression, Shixu quickly threw off her covers and hurried toward Chen Xianzhi’s chambers.

Upon entering, the atmosphere was oppressive. Madam Qi sat sobbing beside Chen Xianzhi’s bed, while he lay pale and lifeless.

A pang gripped Shixu’s heart. She stepped forward. Madam Qi, surprised to see her so soon after awakening, stood and supported her with concern.

“Do you still feel unwell? Why did you get up?” she asked.

Shixu smiled softly, reassuring, and patted Madam Qi’s hand.

“Madam, I can save Chen Xianzhi. Please leave the room.”

Madam Qi was incredulous. Though she had suspected that Shixu’s background was extraordinary, she never imagined Shixu possessed divine power.

Clinging to a last hope, she ordered everyone to leave.

Now alone, Chen Xianzhi lay weak and breathless, lacking his usual vigor.

Shixu approached the bed. She set up an array, forming a protective barrier, then made hand seals at her chest. Drawing forth a celestial bone from her own body, her expression strained, sweat beaded on her forehead and trickled beside her temple.

She chanted a spell, sending the celestial bone into Chen Xianzhi’s body. Gradually, the bone merged within him, while Shixu’s face grew paler.

Finally, as the bone fully integrated, Shixu nearly collapsed. She looked toward Chen Xianzhi, whose complexion now regained color, no longer deathly pale, and at last, he smiled.

Her legs trembling, she staggered to the door and opened it, intending to announce that Chen Xianzhi was saved. Unexpectedly, darkness overwhelmed her, and she lost consciousness.