The nagging voice by her ear suddenly ceased. Shen Jianxi, who was contemplating whether to seize the opportunity and slip away, did not notice.
Although the emperor of this new world appeared to be her spitting image, which would make her movements inconvenient, she was incredibly fascinated by this ancient and elegant world.
Shen Jianxi’s expression shifted with her thoughts, and she failed to see General Qin secretly appraising her.
Observing her volatile emotions, General Qin’s heart was filled with growing confusion. Today, His Majesty’s temper seemed… exceptionally good?
The world knew that Emperor Shen Jianxi of the Anhuai Kingdom was the only woman to have ascended to the throne since its founding. Despite her intelligence, she was known for her cruel disposition. In order to claim the supreme imperial seat, she spared no one, not even her own elder brother. In the mere three years since her ascension, she had embarked on ambitious construction projects and waged wars on all fronts.
Given her temperament, she was never one to tolerate disobedience.
Had it not been for her timely intervention when the Qin family army was ambushed and imprisoned, the Qin family would not have offered their full support during the power struggle, nor would they have become such a sharp blade in her hand now.
It was precisely because he was fully aware of her temperament that Qin Lang was so shocked.
Meeting his surprised gaze, Shen Jianxi recalled the demeanor of emperors in television dramas and quickly composed herself, waving her hand impatiently. "I know, my lord. You need not say more. You may withdraw for now."
Qin Lang’s lips parted and closed. Ultimately, under her resolute gaze, he bowed and retreated.
As soon as the person left, Shen Jianxi could no longer maintain her composure.
She sat on the edge of the bed, resting her chin in her hand, pondering the patterns of her necklace’s teleportation.
The first time she had traversed was after being pushed down the stairs and injured by that couple. The second time…
Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
The second time, she was wounded by Xia Er and arrived in the new world. By this logic, if she were injured again, she might be able to go to a new world?
Shen Jianxi was eager to try, but quickly lost her enthusiasm.
Finding someone to injure her would not be difficult, but she was afraid of pain!
Never mind, there was no rush for this matter. The immediate priority was her current predicament.
She felt she should have left sooner, but a voice in her heart urged her to stay and accept this identity.
After an internal struggle, Shen Jianxi decided to follow the inner voice and remain.
At worst, she would leave after her identity was exposed.
Since she had decided to stay, she needed to understand the circumstances of this general and the emperor.
She looked around the tent and found a piece of cloth of suitable length, which appeared unused, to cover the lower half of her face.
It was very quiet outside. To ensure her comfort and to prevent too many people from seeing her, Qin Lang had taken the soldiers to train in a distant location.
However, the moment Shen Jianxi stepped out, a person appeared before her.
The newcomer knelt respectfully on the ground. "Your Majesty, what are your commands?"
This was Qin Lang’s trusted subordinate, specifically left behind to protect her.
But Shen Jianxi was unaware of this. Seeing someone, she took a few quick breaths, adjusted her demeanor, and said, "Come in. I have some questions for you." She then turned and re-entered the tent.
Upon hearing this, the hidden guard followed without hesitation.
...
"Ha—Hoo—" The soldiers' shouts echoed through the sky.
Qin Lang watched their movements with a stern expression until someone approached from a distance.
He beckoned his second-in-command and turned towards a concealed area.
The two walked deep into the woods, one after the other, before stopping. As soon as they were in place, the newcomer cupped his fist and said gruffly, "Reporting to the general, His Majesty has summoned Xiao Wu inside."
Qin Lang nodded, his eyes darkening as he thought of the person in the tent. He said in a deep voice, "Yi Hao, I order you to return to the palace immediately and ascertain His Majesty’s current whereabouts. Ride swiftly..."
As if struck by an idea, he changed his mind. "No. You may return leisurely on the road. I will personally test the waters here."
Yi Hao acknowledged the order and vanished from the spot in an instant.
Qin Lang’s gaze drifted absentmindedly to the falling leaves not far away, a cold glint appearing in his eyes.
...
Unaware that she was already under suspicion, Shen Jianxi sat boredly inside the tent.
She had already gleaned quite a bit of information from the man and naturally learned of his identity.
Qin Lang, a young general. It could be said that Anhuai Kingdom's current standing owed half its credit to him.
He was decisive and efficient, seemingly rough around the edges but in reality, deeply thoughtful.
Shen Jianxi’s brows furrowed, and her previously calm heart began to race.
Could she truly conceal her identity from a man like this... from Qin Lang?
She lacked confidence.
If her identity were exposed...
Realizing the danger of her situation, Shen Jianxi immediately prepared to leave.
The necklace was hidden beneath her thick collar, invisible unless the clothing was pulled aside.
Just as she was about to touch the necklace, a rustling sound came from outside the tent, and the next moment, Qin Lang’s handsome face appeared at the entrance, his dark eyes deep and sharp.
Shen Jianxi’s hand, poised to touch the necklace, froze and was quietly withdrawn.
She dared to vanish directly in front of Xia Er because she believed Xia Er’s intellect was not particularly high, and even then, she had only dared to do it once.
Let alone in front of someone like Qin Lang.
Shen Jianxi felt that if he were to find out, she might not have another chance to escape.
She still had no idea about the full capabilities of her necklace and dared not take the risk.
Qin Lang bowed and, looking at her, suddenly curved his lips. His entire demeanor became casual and unrestrained. "Why is Your Majesty so silent today? Has Zi Xing done something to displease Your Majesty?" His tone was intimate and familiar, more like that of close friends than sovereign and subject.
There was no one outside the tent but his trusted subordinate. Shen Jianxi could not determine at that moment whether this was how the sovereign and subject interacted, or if Qin Lang was testing her.
Mustering all her vigilance, Shen Jianxi gazed at him steadily.
Qin Lang did not shy away, meeting her gaze squarely, his eyes filled with unconcealable amusement, appearing entirely like friends teasing each other.
She was uncertain and could only reply faintly, "Zi Xing, you have overstepped."
The smile deepened on Qin Lang's lips. He lifted his robe and knelt, saying, "Your Majesty, please forgive my transgression."
Shen Jianxi placed her hands behind her back, preventing him from seeing her subconscious urge to help him up. She gave a cold "Mm," "I have come regarding the matter of the three princes. Rise. In the future, when we are in the presence of others, please address me as Miss Shen."
"Your subject obeys," Qin Lang said loudly, then stood behind her. "I have ordered someone to prepare clean clothes for Your Majesty. For your safety, I fear you must deign to reside in my tent for the time being."