Before the house was raided, the maidservant of the Prime Minister's residence absconded with t

Tao'er stood in front of him, arms crossed, her eyes filled with undisguised mockery.

How would I know?

Is that even a question?

Xie Jingxing, is your brain a pig's brain?

She enunciated each word clearly, as if she were slapping him across the face.

Xie Jingxing's face instantly darkened, a sinister glint flashing in his eyes.

As the Prince of Cheng, he had lived a life of luxury and adoration in Shengjing since childhood. He had never been insulted like this before.

But Tao'er didn't give him a chance to speak at all. She changed the subject and continued to attack: "Your identity is that of a prince. Would you lack women by your side?"

In Shengjing City, which young lady isn't lining up to get your eye on her?

Even if I am somewhat attractive, in your backyard where a hundred flowers bloom, I am but an ordinary, unremarkable flower.

She then gave a cold laugh, her eyes slightly raised, revealing a cold yet bright sharpness.

"Besides, you are a prince, the high and mighty Prince Cheng. Would you take a lowly country girl as a concubine?"

Don't even mention me, I wouldn't believe it. Even a three-year-old on the street wouldn't believe it, would they?

Xie Jingxing's temples throbbed with veins, his chest heaved violently, and he finally couldn't help but slam his hand on the low table, making the cups and saucers clang loudly.

"You bitch!

How dare you call me a pig?

Who gave you the guts?

"My courage comes from my own hands."

Tao'er showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, she slightly raised her chin, her tone carrying a mischievous smile, "Also, Your Highness, please watch your words."

My courage isn't that of a dog, it's that of a bear.

As for pigs…”

She suddenly burst out laughing, a wild and unrestrained laugh that even made the corners of her eyes crinkle.

"You admit you're a pig, hahaha..."

That's hilarious!

This is the first time I've ever seen someone insult themselves.

When did I ever directly call you a pig?

I was just saying you have a pig's brain!

Laughter echoed in the tent, crisp and clear, like a small knife, cutting into Xie Jingxing's proud pride.

Ayan stood behind Tao'er, clutching her clothes tightly, his dark eyes shining with an astonishing light.

He secretly glanced at Xie Jingxing's pale and ashen face, and a surge of unprecedented pleasure welled up inside him.

So, even princes can be scolded.

He remembered that in the past, the elders in his family always treated the princes, princesses and empresses in the palace with utmost respect.

From that moment on, his admiration for Tao'er deepened even further.

"you……

I……

When did I ever call myself a pig?

Xie Jingxing was so angry that he could barely speak, and his fingertips trembled as he pointed at Tao'er.

"You lowly servant, if you dare to spout nonsense again!"

Believe it or not, I'll chop you up right now and throw you into the mountains to feed the wild dogs!

Tao tilted her head, her smile undiminished, even carrying a hint of "I'm waiting for you."

Xie Jingxing felt a tightness in his chest from her attitude, his mind was in a mess, and he couldn't help but secretly resent Liu Wei.

It was all that good-for-nothing's terrible idea!

What "handsome man trap"? What do you mean by "a young girl like you, upon seeing the prince's appearance and demeanor, wouldn't she obediently bow down and submit"?

To submit and obey?

He now felt like a clown, being completely fooled by this brat.

Little did he know, Tao'er was more clear-headed than anyone else.

From the day she transmigrated here, she knew how harsh this world was on women.

She's not a real woman from ancient times, and besides, she's read quite a few historical romance novels.

Even in the 21st century, people still value marriage between people of similar social standing; how much more so for people in uncivilized ancient times?

So when she sensed something was off from Xie Jingxing's words, "Be my woman," she knew that he had no good intentions.

All those nice words were just an attempt to coax her into handing over the things.

Tao'er snorted inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

She pulled Ayan back a step, her tone light and airy:

"Xie Jingxing, I know you wish you could kill me right now."

Because I am the first woman to make you this angry, and I am just a commoner with no status.

However, killing me won't be that easy.

Ah Yan and I are full, it's time to go.

After she finished speaking, she turned to leave.

Xie Jingxing's eyes sharpened, and in the blink of an eye, he was in front of them, blocking their way.

He was tall and imposing; when he stood there, he was like a wall, completely blocking the curtains.

Tao'er pulled Ayan back a step, creating some distance between them, and quickly glanced around with her eyes.

The shadows of patrolling soldiers could be vaguely seen moving outside the tent, but they were too far away to hear anything inside.

The dishes on the low table were still steaming, and the flickering candlelight cast long, distorted shadows of the three people on the curtain wall.

"You brat, it's not like you can't leave if you want to."

Xie Jingxing took a deep breath, suppressing his anger and trying to make his voice sound calm.

"Since you don't want to be my woman, forcing you won't work, so I won't force you."

His gaze was fixed on Tao'er's eyes as he spoke, word by word:

"Miss Tao'er, hand over the items, and I will guarantee your safe departure."

otherwise………"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the unspoken threat was enough to send chills down one's spine.

Tao tilted her head, seemingly deep in thought.

Seeing this, Xie Jingxing felt a little relieved, thinking that she had finally been persuaded.

But the next moment, Tao'er suddenly smiled.

That smile was faint and gentle, yet it inexplicably made his heart tighten.

"I've heard Your Highness say that so many times, I'm sick of it." She looked at him with a smile, her tone light as if she were chatting casually, "It's a pity that those who say such things never end up well."

Xie Jingxing's expression changed drastically, and he took a step forward abruptly: "What do you want to do...?"

Before the words were finished, the candlelight in the tent suddenly flickered.

immediately……

"puff."

All the candles went out at the same instant.

Darkness surged in like a tide, instantly engulfing everything.

Xie Jingxing's vision went black; he could see nothing. Terrified, he shouted sharply:

"Guards! Stop them!"

However, in the darkness, only the sound of a gust of wind could be heard, followed by the sound of the curtain being lifted—so light as to be almost inaudible, yet so fast as to be astonishing.

When the soldiers rushed in with torches, the dishes on the low table were still steaming, the wine glasses were tilted, and the wine had soaked the table, leaving a dark wet stain.

Those two people had long since vanished without a trace.

Only the night wind blew in through the lifted curtains, causing the remaining candle wick to flicker and eventually go out completely.

Xie Jingxing's face turned ashen. He slammed his fist hard on the table, causing the cups and saucers to bounce and fall, making a clattering sound.

"Search it for me!"

We'll turn the entire camp upside down to find them!

The soldiers responded with a roar and scattered in all directions, torches in hand.