Xue Shao had a clear goal: get out of prison, retire, and lie flat.
Border unrest and murder cases in Chang'an had nothing to do with her, until she ran short of money, became a constable at the Dali Temple, and saw the face of its deputy minister.
Li Yue, the aloof, moonlike deputy minister of the Dali Temple, personally asked her to be his bodyguard.
“General Xue is a peerless martial artist.” He gathered up his crimson official robes, leaned forward, and offered her tea. “If you can keep me safe, name your price.”
Xue Shao glanced at the piles of silver ingots, then at the refined beauty across from her. Finally, her gaze landed on the jade-bamboo-white wrist peeking from his sleeve.
“The pay is negotiable.” Xue Shao turned her teacup in her hand, smiling faintly. “It just depends on whether Your Excellency is willing to pay.”
Xue Shao hid among the bamboo branches, nocked an arrow, and took aim at the culprit who had kidnapped Li Yue.
One arrow pierced his throat. Blood sprayed everywhere!
Xue Shao leaped down and touched Li Yue's face. “I accidentally got you dirty, Your Excellency. Let me wipe you clean...”
Li Yue tilted his head back with a laugh, letting her tug open his collar. “Go ahead and try.”
Xue Shao flirted with him again and again, and Li Yue indulged her every time. At last, when she tried to leave late at night once more, he grabbed her wrist.
“Xue Shao, if you want money or my life, take them both.”
“But if all you want is a fleeting affair,” his eyes grew dark, and he ground out each word, “...I won't give it to you.”
Message: Do no evil; practice every good.
