Transmigrated as the Villainess, She Made the General Blush - Chapter 84 - The Process Doesn't Matter 1

Chapter 84 – The Process Doesn’t Matter 1

The Tuoba Envoy had ridden out of the city and was ambushed by spies in the outskirts.

In the chaos, Fourth Miss Xiao was seriously injured, while Second Miss Fang sustained minor injuries.

When the news reached Xiao Hong, who was still busy with affairs in the palace, he felt a massive headache coming on. He immediately summoned six imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Bureau and brought them to Xiao Wangshu’s manor.

In the Xiao estate, Fang Qin’er was so panicked she knocked over her teacup. Accompanied by Xiao Fuguang, she hurried toward the manor on the outskirts of the city.

–

“Prime Minister, fortunately, the three Tuoba princes and princess are all fine. Although the Fourth Miss’s injuries are more severe, the physicians say they missed her vital organs. She just needs plenty of rest to recover, so please do not be overly worried.

“The spies were lured out by the Tuoba Envoy this time and came out in full force. Those who previously escaped the military camp have all been recaptured, and a small number were executed on the spot.

“There were also some spies lurking within the Capital who were captured this time and taken to the military camp for interrogation.”

Overall, it was a blessing in disguise.

Although Tuoba Jihui and Xiao Wangshu were somewhat seriously injured, it was worth it to catch so many spies hidden within the Capital.

After listening to Lu Xuyang’s report, Xiao Hong rubbed his temples and ordered, “Investigate thoroughly and handle this strictly. Do not let an accident like the last one happen again!”

Things had developed to the point where spies from all factions had come out in force just to kill the Tuoba Envoy.

The price paid was too high; the more he looked at it, the more suspicious it seemed.

“Yes!” Lu Xuyang cupped his fists, bowed, and withdrew.

Shortly after he left, an Armored Guard entered to report, “Prime Minister, the Tuoba Third Prince requests an audience!”

Xiao Hong felt another pang of a headache. “Bring him in.”

Tuoba Kang had many children, but only four were born of his primary wife. This time, except for the eldest prince who was already married, the other three unmarried children had been sent.

Among these three, none were particularly easy to deal with except for the eldest of them, Tuoba Jihui.

“Uncle Xiao,” Tuoba Yunxiao entered and bowed.

Xiao Hong raised a hand toward him. “Yunxiao, take a seat. What brings you to see me?”

Tuoba Yunxiao got straight to the point. “I have come today to earnestly request that Uncle Xiao cancel the engagement between myself and Wangshu.”

Xiao Hong’s expression shifted slightly. “Did that girl Wangshu cause trouble in front of you?”

“No. It is simply that I feel only the bond of siblings for Wangshu; there is no romantic affection between us.

“Wangshu is resilient, intelligent, and sharp. In truth… I know that the Tuoba lands are barren and cannot compare to the prosperity of the Capital. Wangshu would suffer if she married me.

“Even if she is willing to endure hardship, I am unwilling to hold her back.

“Having survived this ordeal together, we are now comrades who have faced death. My father often teaches us that the debt of saving a life is heavier than the heavens. How could I return kindness with enmity and bind her to the northern lands?”

Hearing Tuoba Yunxiao speak so earnestly, Xiao Hong remained silent.

Tuoba Yunxiao glanced at him and added, “I have another presumptuous request that I hope Uncle Xiao will grant.”

Xiao Hong looked at him. “Speak.”

“I have already sent a letter back to my tribe to ask for my father’s permission to perform a Blood Exchange Brotherhood with Wangshu. I also ask for Uncle Xiao’s permission to let Wangshu acknowledge me as her brother.

“Though there is no romance between us, we have shared a life-and-death experience.

“Even blood siblings could not be closer than this.”

Xiao Hong pondered for a moment before saying, “Since this is what you both want, I naturally won’t force you. However, Wangshu is seriously injured. How can she undergo a bloodletting?”

“Rest assured, Uncle Xiao. I have already discussed this with my Second Elder Brother. We can wait until Wangshu has recovered before holding the ceremony. Our return date will be postponed.”

After hearing this, Xiao Hong nodded.

“I have been friends with your father for many years, and I have always treated the three of you like my own children. Since you and Wangshu feel like siblings and do not wish for a marriage alliance, I will not force the matter.”
“Regardless of whether this marriage alliance happens or not, I have always looked upon you all as my own children. I am also relieved that you are willing to treat Wangshu as your own sister.

“Wangshu has been pampered since she was a child and has quite a temper. I am truly grateful that you are willing to be tolerant of her and act as her elder brothers and sisters.

“We shall proceed with this matter according to your wishes.”

A smile spread across Tuoba Yunxiao’s face. “Thank you for your blessing, Uncle.”

***

“Sister, you really are something. Why did you have to sneak out and go riding with someone? Now look at you, unable to even move, aren’t you?”

Xiao Fuguang grumbled as he sat by the bed, feeding Xiao Wangshu her herbal medicine.

Xiao Wangshu had been listening to his grumbling for half an hour.

From the moment Fang Qin’er went out to watch over the small kitchen while they brewed the soup until now, Xiao Fuguang’s mouth had not stopped. He had been nagging in her ear the entire time.

“That’s enough, Little Brother. Who feeds medicine like this, one spoonful at a time? Are you trying to torture me to death with the bitterness?”

As she spoke, Xiao Wangshu reached out with her left hand, took the bowl directly from Xiao Fuguang, tilted her head back, and downed the dark liquid in one gulp.

Shuxia brought over a small dish of candied fruits. “Have two of these, Miss, to take the bitter taste out of your mouth.”

That Tuoba Third Prince was truly too reckless. How could he take their young lady out of the manor and even leave the Capital to go riding!

It was simply too dangerous!

Xiao Wangshu picked up two pieces of candied fruit, popped them into her mouth, and gave Xiao Fuguang a mysterious smile.

“Come here.”

Xiao Fuguang looked puzzled.

He leaned down and pressed his ear close. Xiao Wangshu whispered something to him.

Instantly, the joy on Xiao Fuguang’s face became impossible to hide.

“Is this true?”

Was the Tuoba Third Prince truly willing to cancel the marriage alliance?

Xiao Wangshu raised her left hand, pressing her index finger to her lips, and said softly, “I’m just telling you now to give you something to be happy about, but also to remind you: stop being so hostile toward the Tuoba Third Prince. It’s easy for people to notice and make a scene out of it.”

A boy in his early teens still couldn’t control his emotions well; his hostility toward Tuoba Yunxiao had been far too obvious.

Xiao Fuguang nodded immediately and promised, “I understand, Sister. If this is true, it would be petty of me to keep targeting him.”

As long as he didn’t steal his sister away to the northern lands, anything was negotiable.

“It’s just that your injury is indeed serious. It makes one’s heart ache just looking at it. Who knows how long it will take to heal?”

“Didn’t the imperial physician say I’d be mostly recovered in a month or so? It’s not a big deal, don’t worry.”

Xiao Wangshu didn’t take it to heart. After glancing out the window, she covered her mouth with her left hand and yawned.

“I’m feeling a bit sleepy now. Go check on Mother and see when that pot of soup will be ready. I want to drink some before I sleep.”

Xiao Fuguang stood up at once. “Then I’ll go hurry them along. Wait a moment, Sister.”

Xiao Wangshu nodded and watched him leave the room.

Then, she turned her gaze to Shuxia. “You should go down as well. Go to Yichun and see how she’s doing with packing my clothes.”

“Yes, I’ll go right away. Please rest well, Miss.”

Shuxia stepped forward to tuck in the corners of Xiao Wangshu’s quilt, then picked up the dish of candied fruit and left the room.

Shortly after she departed, Yuchi Yan and Qin Tai pushed the door open and entered.

The two of them knelt on one knee by Xiao Wangshu’s bedside and spoke in unison: “Miss!”

Xiao Wangshu looked at Qin Tai, her gaze falling on his right shoulder. “Did anyone notice you when you returned?”

Qin Tai’s face was slightly pale as he answered, “Rest assured, Miss. I blended in with the team of craftsmen and returned with Yuchi Yan. No one noticed.”

Xiao Wangshu nodded slightly without asking further.

Then, Qin Tai continued his report: “However, Miss, General Chen is conducting a massive search on the outskirts of the Capital for anyone with an arrow wound on their right shoulder. He has even sent men to search within the Capital itself.”

Searching for spies meant that regardless of status or whose side they belonged to, everyone had to undergo inspection.

Because a spy could be lurking beside anyone.

Even as a guard by the young lady’s side, he would not be able to escape the search.