Chapter 558: The Matter of Han Xiao

Chapter 558: The Matter of Han Xiao

For Liu Shuqin and Luo Xiaoxue, it was indeed a miraculous event.

The pointer of the guiding stick was directing them to the very spot where Han Xiao had appeared, which felt utterly unbelievable.

The stick’s function was supposed to be just a folklore tale, and people said the first direction it pointed was the most accurate; after that, its indications could differ wildly.

But now, it was different—this stick had consistently pointed toward Han Xiao.

Was this the power of the guiding stick?

No, it should be credited to Lin Nuo. This very stick was given by him; other sticks didn’t have this kind of effect.

The two of them didn’t know what had happened to Han Xiao, but seeing that she still had a breath left, they felt a bit reassured.

Now, they only had to wait for her to wake up.

“It seems Junior Martial Brother knows of her presence and specifically brought us here.”

“Hmm, yes, he must be aware, and he’s surely certain that Han Xiao won’t die. This was originally my responsibility—he wants me to handle it personally. He informed me this way, rather delicately.”

Luo Xiaoxue and Liu Shuqin discussed and agreed it was Lin Nuo pulling the strings, subtly hinting to them.

They always shared a consistent opinion regarding Lin Nuo controlling everything.

Although they didn’t know how Lin Nuo managed it, there was no need to know—just understanding that he possessed great abilities was enough, as if he knew all and could do anything.

“Thank you all for retrieving my friend; here’s a token of appreciation for you.”

Luo Xiaoxue was quite sensible; since the fishermen helped pull Han Xiao up, she naturally had to reward them, and in the end, it came down to money.

“No, no, this was just a small effort; how can we accept money from the young lady?”

“No, you deserve it. If it weren’t for your discovery, we wouldn’t have found her. Anyway, I’m really grateful to all of you.”

Luo Xiaoxue argued with the fishermen for quite a while, and Liu Shuqin helped persuade them, finally managing to get the fishermen to accept the reward.

With two ladies doing the talking, using cultured language and even quoting classics, the fishermen found it impossible to refuse and could only accept.

It mainly had to do with the amount being too generous—feeling uneasy accepting such a reward, but after hearing the two ladies’ justifications, they felt much more at ease.

Moreover, since Liu Shuqin was a prominent figure in the city, her mentioning it as her friend meant it would not be some human trafficker taking away the unconscious girl.

They quickly took Han Xiao away, first to wash her hair and change her dirty clothes, then laid her down on a clean bed to rest, after which Liu Shuqin performed a calming ritual for her.

After a long while, Han Xiao finally woke up, realizing she was in a strange room, but familiar faces were sitting by her bedside.

One was her superior, a real princess, and the other was Liu Shuqin, the daughter of the Liu family—both were important figures.

She was stunned, unsure of what was happening.

“Your Highness…”

She intended to shout “Princess,” but with Liu Shuqin present, she changed her words.

“Miss Luo, Miss Liu…”

“Liu Shuqin knows my identity, and she is also our ally. You don’t need to hide anything; if there’s anything, feel free to say it. What happened to you? You were supposed to be in the City Lord’s Mansion as a princess, but I later discovered the princess was replaced and there were accusations against the Liu family of treason…”

Luo Xiaoxue explained the unfolding events to Han Xiao, including the Liu family’s imprisonment, the rebel attack, the jailbreak, and the resistance against the city guards and Dong Wei, which left Han Xiao amazed at the sheer amount of events unfolding while she was unconscious.

“How is Huan Tian City now?”

“Thanks to everyone’s tireless efforts, order has been restored. City Lord Zhou Cheng is dead, and now the position of City Lord is held by Liu Feng. By the way, what about you?” Luo Xiaoxue inquired.

Han Xiao recollected and replied, “At that time, I was in my room when a servant came to report that an official wanted to see me, so I went over. Later I realized it was a trap to kill me. I tried to resist, but I was captured.”

Han Xiao paused and continued, “They initially kept me, claiming I was useful. Later, someone recognized me and knew I wasn’t the real princess. But they didn’t report it to Dong Wei; he was unsatisfied with Dong Wei and aimed to take me away. He knew there was a tunnel leading outside, so we attempted to use it, but it was discovered, and eventually collapsed during the fighting. After that, I don’t know what happened.”

Han Xiao briefly recounted her experience to Luo Xiaoxue, who pondered for a moment, speculating that perhaps due to the tunnel collapsing, she happened to survive and flowed out with the underground water.

“Regardless, I still congratulate you on surviving; it’s been quite a journey for you.”

“That’s what I should do.”

Han Xiao respectfully replied, “Your Highness, do you think it was a coincidence that you found me, or did you predict I would emerge from the underground tunnel with the water flow?”

“This was the work of that great knight, Lin Nuo. You know who he is, right? The great hero who saved me multiple times before.”

“Did he discover me?”

“Likely, and he used this guiding stick to lead me to find you. He had already known your location was swapped and brought me over to subdue the impersonator, even boldly allowing me to negotiate with the rebels in your stead, ultimately succeeding. Every part of this series of events showcases his power and great character.”

“I see.”

As Han Xiao listened, she felt increasingly that Lin Nuo was an exceptionally capable figure, as if he had everything in hand.

“Your Highness, if Lin Nuo becomes our prince consort, surely…”

“Oh, I see you’re already muddled in your sleep, talking about such things. This matter cannot be forced, and it all depends on the will of that great knight.”

Luo Xiaoxue didn’t hold back, stating this in front of Liu Shuqin, after all, there was nothing to hide; she simply liked Lin Nuo.

Liu Shuqin heard it clearly; she could tell Luo Xiaoxue had feelings for him, but she wasn’t avoiding the topic anymore.

Liu Shuqin interjected, “Yes, while it would be a blessing for the people of Pu Han if Junior Martial Brother were to become the prince consort, it shouldn’t be forced. Your Highness really is wise.”

Liu Shuqin adopted a little of Lin Nuo’s quirky sarcasm, but her tone was much kinder, making it sound more palatable, unlike Lin Nuo who always had to add a line like “No way, really…?”

…

“Young Master, why choose the pond in the southern part of the city? There aren’t many fish here.”

“Because there are bad things in the north, so we came to the south. After all, there’s a saying: ‘Namo Amitabha’.”

“Isn’t that bad?”

“It’s good, how is it bad? Why don’t you understand?”

“Hmm… I don’t get it. Young Master, if you want fish, I’ll catch two for you.”

Li Ruo’er squatted by the pond, holding her breath and quietly observing the surface.

Then she swiftly extended her little hand, scooping up two big fish that leaped out, landing beside her.

Lin Nuo looked on, having fished for half a day with no luck, and here she was catching fish effortlessly.

Goodness, he added a new title: “Fish Catching Expert.”

However, watching Li Ruo’er catch fish reminded him of some revival technique event, the moment when she scooped fish.