When Zhu Yin sensed something was wrong and turned back to the residence to investigate, Jiang Li was holding Cui Xuanqing’s hand and swinging herself onto a fine horse.
The Cui family’s third young master was as bright and noble as the moon, while Princess Jing'an was stunningly beautiful. They made a perfect match.
Zhu Yin could only laugh at how blind he had been then. Seeing her surrounded by glinting blades, he had instinctively said, "Don’t be afraid. I’ll save you."
"Save me?" Cui Xuanqing sneered. "The traitor Zhu Yin has taken the princess hostage. By imperial decree, we have brought troops to destroy your den and take your head."
Zhu Yin froze for a moment. They had arrived in the city at far too convenient a time. He had only just left, and the Cui family had arrived right behind him. Looking at the person on horseback, he spoke in a hoarse voice: "It was you."
His gaze was so full of anguish that Jiang Li could not bear to meet it. She turned her face away.
"Loose the arrows," someone behind her said coldly. "A hundred gold pieces to whoever takes the traitor Zhu’s head."
Zhu Yin curled his lips. Through his clothes, he touched the safety charm against his chest, the one Jiang Li had prayed for on his behalf a month earlier.
It had come from a small temple, and the charm was crudely made. It bore just four words: Peace and safety.
How ironic.
--
Yet Zhu Yin did not die. After narrowly escaping death, he managed to survive.
In the palace, Jiang Li heard only one report of victory after another. He fought his way from south to north, battle by battle, until he was on the verge of marching on Yidu.
Emperor Jianwen knew the situation was beyond saving. He sent Princess Jing'an to Langzhou, where Zhu Yin's army had laid siege, to sue for peace, hoping he would remember their past as husband and wife.
When enemies meet, hatred burns bright.
Jiang Li saw him from afar. Only half a year had passed, but all that remained in him was cold fury. He drew his bow and nocked an arrow, its sharp point aimed at her eye.
She sighed inwardly. She had left him more than just one arrow when she fled.
Unfortunately, even this arrow missed its mark.
The arrow passed through her hair, its sharp fletching slicing off a lock.
Jiang Li lowered her lashes and breathed a sigh of relief.
He really could not bring himself to kill her.
That made things easier.
This story is also known as Seven Nights to Win Back My Husband, Who Went Mad After I Ran Away
Theme: Live well
