Wanwan supported her from the side and whispered, "Your Highness, let us return. It is already very late."
Yun Xiao nodded, and the group quickly proceeded along the corridor towards Jinhua Palace.
It was already Hai Shi, and the night was deep. The group returned to Jinhua Palace. Wanwan and Xiuxiu attended to Her Highness as she retired to her chambers. The other two eunuchs returned to rest, as it was not their shift tonight.
In the sleeping chambers, Yun Xiao turned her eyes, a smile blooming on her face. She looked at Xiuxiu, who was tidying her hair, and said softly, "That's enough, Xiuxiu. You may go and rest. Tonight, Wanwan is on duty and can attend to me."
"Yes, Your Highness," Xiuxiu curtsied. She had already detangled Yun Xiao's raven-black hair, letting it cascade softly onto her shoulders, making her look exceptionally radiant.
Xiuxiu left as commanded. Wanwan turned and walked around the screen to check if anyone was eavesdropping outside the chamber door. Inside the sleeping chambers, Yun Xiao's pleasant voice rang out.
"Liuxing."
A black streak of light flashed, and Liuxing landed before her in response, waiting respectfully for Yun Xiao's inquiry.
"Was the matter handled?"
It turned out that Yun Xiao had attended the birthday banquet that evening, and on the other hand, had ordered Liuxing to secretly attack Prince Yan Yu of the Northern Kingdom's subordinates, and then deliberately flee into Qingfeng Pavilion, all to frame Ximen Yao.
Her father and brother had led their troops to Fengya Pass, and Ximen Yao must have been involved in this. Therefore, she could not forgive that man indifferently, which was why she resorted to this scheme to frame him.
Perhaps he would not be easily eliminated, but given the Emperor's suspicious nature, he would surely suspect him. Then he would understand that he had supported the wrong person and leave here as soon as possible.
"Master, I did not make a move."
Liuxing reported honestly. Something unexpected had happened. He did not act because someone else had interfered.
"Mm?" Yun Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Earlier, Yan Yu had a grim expression, and the Emperor had dismissed everyone without even guessing the subsequent lantern riddles. She had thought that Yan Yu's men had met with misfortune, but unexpectedly, Liuxing had not acted. It seemed someone else had made their move.
Then, who had struck before them?
"Someone made a move, and not just one person, but several. They killed one of Yan Yu's subordinates and injured several others. Then, someone broke into Qingfeng Pavilion. Those few people seemed to want to frame Ximen Yao as well."
After Liuxing finished speaking, Yun Xiao's expression turned grave as she earnestly considered who else might want to trouble Ximen Yao.
Finally, she thought of the Empress Dowager. Ximen Yao's presence was a great threat to the Empress Dowager, as the Emperor would sooner or later deal with the Ye family. Therefore, the Empress Dowager must have wanted to kill Ximen Yao.
"Alright, you may go now."
Yun Xiao waved Liuxing away and sat on the embroidered stool, gazing at herself in the mirror.
Her face was delicate and beautiful, her hair as black as silk, casually draped over her shoulders. She was quite satisfied with her appearance.
Although not the most beautiful, she was captivating and endearing. Yun Xiao's lips curved into a smile, and dimples appeared on her cheeks when she smiled. Her small, palm-sized face exuded the fragrance of fine wine.
Light footsteps approached, and a figure emerged from behind the screen, which was Wanwan. She walked directly over.
"Your Highness, are you resting?"
Yun Xiao raised her eyebrows, her smile as charming as an epiphyllum in the dark night, exuding a stunning allure. Just as she was about to speak, a cool, thin aura suddenly enveloped the air.
Her eyes turned sharp and cold. This frosty aura came from somewhere in the darkness. An uninvited guest had entered the sleeping chambers. Her fair, jade-like hand gracefully tidied her dark, lustrous hair, her gaze sweeping around through the phoenix mirror on the vanity.
A gentle breeze blew, and the palace lanterns lit within the chambers were instantly extinguished. It was pitch black, and her eyes could not adapt to the darkness.
Yun Xiao rose cautiously, her body darting towards the edge of the screen. With her back against the screen, she could only be attacked from three sides. She waved her hand, signaling for anyone to stay away.
She was not like those with powerful martial arts who could see in the dark. The person hiding in the shadows must possess formidable skills.
Wanwan, on the other side, also sensed something amiss and cried out nervously, "Your Highness, are you alright?"
Someone was approaching. Her eyes also struggled to adjust to the darkness, and she could only grope her way towards Yun Xiao.
At this moment, Yun Xiao's eyes had already adapted to the darkness in the chamber. Seeing Wanwan fumbling around, she reached out to pull her, when suddenly a cold, biting chill enveloped her entire body.
A slender arm reached out, embracing her. With a one hundred and eighteen-degree spin, she was pressed against the edge of the screen, and this time, she was held tightly in a man's embrace.
This man was close to her, leaning against the screen. A chilling coldness permeated the entire sleeping chamber, and even the body pressed against hers was cold, devoid of any warmth.
The breath he exhaled was also cold, causing Yun Xiao, who was close to him, to shiver involuntarily, reminding her of the eternally frozen ice in the frigid snowfields.
But she smelled a familiar scent and frowned.
What was this man up to? It had not been long since she had seen him shed his cold demeanor and regain some gentleness, his eyes filled with a languid, unrestrained charm.
But tonight, he was so cold, even colder than the first time he had tried to kill her. Had something happened?
Yun Xiao thought to herself and then questioned him in a deep voice.
"What are you doing?"
A deep, cold voice responded from behind her: "I just want someone to lean on."
Within those resolute, chilling words, there was a profound sadness, a despair that could destroy the world, filled with countless desolate emotions, as if he had exhausted all his strength.
"What happened to you?"
Yun Xiao felt that he was different tonight from his usual self and suppressed her blame.
But the person behind her said nothing further. Instead, he held the small body in his arms with his strong arms, allowing her warm breath to melt into his cold, lifeless heart.
Wanwan, on the opposite side, heard someone speaking. Her eyes had also adjusted to the darkness, and she immediately saw her mistress being held captive. She nervously shouted, "Who are you? Let go of Your Highness at once!"
As she spoke, with a whoosh, the lights turned on, a dark figure landed, and a deep, somber voice rang out: "Quickly, release Master."
At the same time, Yun Xiao's body loosened. The person behind her had already left, and she only caught a glimpse of a bright blue garment, her expression filled with surprise.
He had never worn clothes other than white, and tonight he was wearing a bright blue robe. Her hand was sticky, carrying the unpleasant smell of blood. She looked down.
The red was shockingly conspicuous; it was a hand covered in blood.