Chapter Forty: A Grand Scene of Unmasking

“So you can stand up after all? Didn’t you say you couldn’t move? If that’s the case, it’s clear you’re trying to swindle me. I suppose this should be reported to the authorities, shouldn’t it?” Su Jingluo smiled slightly as she watched the ruffian old man rise—he’d fallen right into her trap.

The old man trembled with rage, unable to out-argue Su Jingluo. Grabbing a nearby walking stick, he charged at her.

Just then, the carriage curtain fluttered, and a refined young gentleman stepped down, followed by the coachman. Together, they seized the old man by the shoulders and pinned him in place.

“Let go of me! Let me go! You’re all in this together. Little lady, do you dare to give your name? I’ll make sure your whole family never knows peace!” Even while restrained, the old man hurled threats.

“Why wouldn’t I dare? I’m a maid at Prince Jing’s manor—you’re welcome to come by any time for a lesson.” Su Jingluo showed no fear. She only worried this scoundrel wouldn’t have the courage to show up.

“What a forthright and chivalrous young lady you are! May I ask your name?” The handsome gentleman who had descended from the carriage was clearly delighted by Su Jingluo’s quick wit and spirit—such a character was rare indeed.

“No need for formalities, I...” She trailed off. Good heavens, wasn’t that the same gentleman she’d accidentally pinned against the wall that morning? Now he was the one holding down the ruffian, smiling at her.

“I... I prefer to do good deeds without leaving my name. If you’ll excuse me, I must be going.” What rotten luck—to run into him even while playing the hero. Su Jingluo gathered her bags and hurried away.

The handsome gentleman seemed about to follow, but the young coachman interrupted, asking how to handle the ruffian.

“Take him to the authorities!”

By the time he turned around again, Su Jingluo had vanished without a trace. What an intriguing and lovely girl. Was she truly one of Consort Lin’s maids?

Su Jingluo ran at full speed, then changed direction. She’d already asked for directions back to Prince Jing’s manor, but the confusion of the alleyways had left her disoriented once more. Who knew how long she wandered before finally spotting the familiar walls of the estate? Yet it took another while to find the wall of her own courtyard.

Now came the problem: how to climb back in?

Standing beneath the wall, Su Jingluo felt on the verge of tears. She’d left full of spirit—now she returned battered and exhausted. Entering through the main gate would be suicide; climbing the wall was the only way. Would she really be trapped outside? There was still plenty of gold and large pearls inside—her precious belongings, and her dear son!

“You finally thought to come back?” A voice as cold as ice sliced through the air from above.

Su Jingluo looked up to see Xiao Jingxuan glaring down at her, eyes blazing with murderous intent, as if nothing short of devouring her alive could satisfy him.

“Y-Your Highness, what a coincidence. Have you eaten? Out for a walk to help digestion?” Su Jingluo tried to ease the tension and change the subject, but at that moment, even if someone offered him all the gold in the world, he seemed intent only on killing her.

With a sudden movement, Xiao Jingxuan leapt down from the wall, grabbed Su Jingluo by the collar, and hauled her up onto the wall with him, leaving her dangling in midair, her feet scrabbling for purchase in panic.

“Let’s talk this over. What are you doing? Put me down!” Su Jingluo was truly frightened now—a fall from three or four meters could easily break a leg.

“Su Jingluo, why do you insist on testing my patience and limits again and again? Do you really think I won’t throw you off this wall right now?” Xiao Jingxuan’s voice was icy and terrifying, as if it came from the depths of hell.

“I just went out for a stroll—is that so terrible? Let me tell you, your behavior is pathological. You have a problem. You’re manic—you need treatment. In the early stages, mania makes you angry at everyone and everything. Nothing anyone does pleases you. In the later stages, you’ll turn into a complete lunatic!” Su Jingluo spoke from the heart. Xiao Jingxuan really did have some issues with emotional control—always threatening to kill this person or that.

“Say that again, if you dare.” Xiao Jingxuan’s eyes darkened, and his grip slackened slightly—Su Jingluo nearly slipped and fell.